Common Interview Questions (And How to Answer Them)

Starting an interview can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what questions to expect. It gets easier with experience, but the first few times can be intimidating. Even experienced professionals face tricky and unexpected questions. But don’t worry—I’m here to help! Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or preparing for your first job, knowing the common interview questions and how to answer them makes all the difference. Interviews aren’t just about answering questions. They’re your chance to showcase your skills, highlight your personality, and sell yourself confidently. Let’s dive into the top engineering interview questions—and how to ace them like a pro!

1. Question: Tell me about yourself.

This open-ended question allows you as a candidate to summarize your professional background and highlight your experience and skills. This is how you answer this interview question.

Answer: (Example) I am a chemical engineer with over four years of experience in scientific research, specializing in lithium recovery and nanotechnology. I have developed strong expertise in process optimization, advanced material analysis, and sustainable practices, delivering innovative solutions in these fields.

In addition to my technical skills, I held a leadership role as a plant manager and expert associate in planning and business optimization in the petrochemical industry. This role allowed me to combine my technical expertise with strategic decision-making. I successfully managed teams, improved operational efficiency, and reduced costs while maintaining quality and safety standards.

What I love most about my career is applying scientific advancements to real-world challenges. I am passionate about solving complex problems, leading teams, and driving sustainable innovations that make a meaningful impact on the industry and the environment.

2. Question: What are your strengths?

The interviewer wants to know your key competencies for the job you are applying for. Remember, you are getting paid for the value you bring to the company. Make sure you are bringing the values they need and even more. Prove yourself to be everything they want and get the job you want.

Answer: (Example) My strengths are technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving.

I have hands-on experience in lithium recovery, semiconductors, and petrochemical processes. I specialize in optimizing workflows, improving efficiency, and driving innovation.

As a plant manager, I developed strong leadership skills. I know how to build teams, motivate people, and align efforts to achieve business goals.

I’m also a strategic thinker. I love solving complex problems, improving processes, and finding cost-effective, sustainable solutions.

These strengths help me deliver results, whether I’m leading a team or driving technical improvements.

3. Question: What are your weaknesses?

In this case, management wants to see your level of self-awareness. Show your area for improvement and turn it into a possible strength. These are very common questions. Make sure not to reply as you’ve learned the answer.

Answer: (Example) One weakness I’ve identified is being overly analytical. I spend a lot of time evaluating all possible solutions before deciding. While this ensures thoroughness, I’ve learned to set clear time limits for analysis to keep projects on track.

Another area I’m working on is public speaking. While I’m confident in smaller team settings, presenting to large groups used to make me nervous. To improve, I’ve taken part in workshops and practice sessions, and I’m seeing great progress.

I believe in turning weaknesses into strengths, and I’m committed to ongoing improvement to grow both personally and professionally.

4. Question: Why do you want to work here?

I know, this is such a silly question. Everyone needs to feed their families, pay the bills etc. But, we still need to consider where we are applying and why. When you think about it, it really is sad to apply randomly without thinking. If we don’t know where we are going, we might never get to where we want. Better consider your path where you wanna go, and why. Just think about it, everyone wants to be surrounded by high-value people. Do you bring value to the place you want to go? Research the company, and think about why you are even applying there and shine when answering this interview question.

Answer: (Example) I want to work here because your company aligns perfectly with my professional goals and values. I’m impressed by your commitment to innovation, especially in advancing sustainable technologies and groundbreaking solutions in [industry name, e.g., lithium recovery or petrochemical processes]. As a chemical engineer with expertise in process optimization and sustainability, I see this as an ideal environment to contribute to impactful projects.

Your reputation for fostering growth and teamwork also excites me. I thrive in collaborative settings where I can both lead and learn from others. The opportunity to work with a forward-thinking company like yours motivates me to bring my skills in [mention specific skills, e.g., advanced material analysis, team management] to drive results and support your mission.

Joining your team would allow me to make a meaningful contribution while continuing to grow professionally in a company I truly admire.

5. Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In your position, Director. In your position”. Gotta love this answer. I even said that once at the job interview because it was such a friendly job interview, and we were already joking and laughing. But don’t try this on your own, especially if you don’t have needed skills, or if you’re a rookie. Everything comes in time, but at the beginning, your competition is wild as well. The management wants to see here what are your goals, where you see yourself truly in the company, and whether you have long-term goals or you don’t even know where you’re going. Here’s how you answer this interview question.

Answer: (Example) In five years, I see myself advancing in my career as a chemical engineer, taking on greater responsibilities, and contributing to impactful projects in [industry name, e.g., lithium recovery or sustainable energy]. My goal is to further deepen my expertise in process optimization and sustainability while expanding my leadership skills to manage larger teams and drive innovative solutions.

I’m particularly interested in roles that combine technical challenges with strategic planning, allowing me to make meaningful contributions to both the industry and environmental goals. I also hope to play a key role in your company’s growth, helping to implement cutting-edge technologies and improve operational efficiency.

Ultimately, I aim to be recognized as a thought leader in the field, helping shape the future of [specific industry or technology focus]. Working here would provide the perfect environment to achieve these goals while making a lasting impact.

6. Question: Why did you leave your last job?

This is a very dangerous question and be careful how you answer this one. If you were fired, try to pack it nicely without adding negativity or a red flag on yourself. The management wants to see what’s your career trajectory here, do you have a plan and path for your career. Some people change jobs just like that, and no one wants a job hopper in their company. Every individual costs money and time: two very important resources in life and business.

Answer: (Example) I left my last job to pursue opportunities that align more closely with my long-term career goals. While I gained valuable experience and skills, especially in [mention specific areas, e.g., process optimization or team management], I felt it was time to explore new challenges where I could further grow professionally and make a greater impact.

I’m particularly excited about the opportunity at your company because of your focus on [specific aspect of the company, e.g., innovation, sustainability, or advanced technologies]. I believe my background in [mention relevant experience, e.g., lithium recovery or petrochemical processes] and leadership skills can contribute meaningfully to your goals.

Leaving my previous role was a thoughtful decision to advance my career and work in an environment where I can continue learning, solving complex problems, and driving innovation.

7. Question: What is your greatest accomplishment?

You won’t say: “Oh, I’ve learned to play the guitar, I recently learned how to play that difficult solo from Andy James”, because, of course, we are talking about business. Nobody cares about your guitar skills, even though they can come in handy at some company party and open some doors later. Every skill you gain is just a plus for you. But, the company wants to see whether you achieved something important related to the role you are applying for and their company in general. This is a perfect place to shine, but not overshine. Pack your words wisely to bring curiosity in the management, sell yourself, and make them want you.

Answer: (Example) My greatest accomplishment was leading a process optimization project in the petrochemical industry. I improved production efficiency by 15% and reduced costs by 10%. This was achieved by analyzing workflows, collaborating with teams, and implementing strategic changes. I also ensured safety and quality standards were maintained.

Another key achievement was my research in lithium recovery and sustainable technologies. I developed methods that increased recovery rates and supported environmentally friendly practices.

These accomplishments show my ability to solve problems, lead teams, and deliver measurable results. I’m excited to bring these skills to your organization.

8. Question: How do you handle stress and pressure?

As a highly important question, answer it carefully. There is no job without stress. There is no place without struggle. But, how can we grow unless we struggle? No pain, no gain. So it’s important to know yourself and how to deal with stress and changes. This is what management wants to know. It’s important to know how you deal with stress even in your relationships. Some people simply break down under stress, they block, and they can’t adapt. In business, it is highly important to keep your head calm and adapt quickly to change where your resilience shines.

Answer: (Example) I handle stress and pressure by staying organized and focused on priorities. I break down tasks into manageable steps and set clear deadlines. This helps me stay on track and maintain efficiency, even in high-pressure situations.

I also rely on open communication and teamwork. When working under tight deadlines, I ensure everyone on the team is aligned and informed. This reduces stress and keeps the project moving smoothly.

Additionally, I take time to reflect and learn from challenges. Stressful situations often lead to growth, and I use them to improve my problem-solving and time-management skills.

9. Question: Describe a difficult work situation and how you overcame it.

Similar to Question 9, here’s where your problem-solving skills and adaptability shine. Think about an important problem you solved under pressure, and how you managed a stressful period at work. Don’t say: “I had a pretty bad boss I had to deal with”. We all know there is a ton of bad bosses out there, but is your job to manage them. Think about the real problem you solved that made your boss or people in your team say: “He did it, i really admire how he managed to do it”. Be brilliant, not average.

Answer: (Example) In my role as a plant manager, I faced a situation where a key production line unexpectedly shut down, causing delays and potential cost overruns. The challenge required immediate action to minimize losses and restore operations.

I quickly assembled the team to identify the root cause, which was a mechanical failure in a critical piece of equipment. I collaborated with maintenance experts to develop a temporary workaround while ordering replacement parts. At the same time, I communicated updates to stakeholders and adjusted production schedules to meet deadlines.

The situation taught me the importance of quick decision-making, teamwork, and clear communication. By staying calm under pressure and focusing on solutions, we restored operations within 48 hours and avoided significant financial impact.

10. Question: Do you have any questions for us?

From my experience, this is one of the questions where a lot of people fail. It’s such a silly question to which most people say: “No, I think I got it all, thank you”. But, is it possible that you don’t have a single question about the organization you want to work in? This is a perfect opportunity where you ask for the information you want to know about the company, culture, and maybe your possible superior, profile of people you are going to work with, and so on. There is always something that you should ask. Otherwise, it shows you are not interested, you aim for a job and that’s it. Be the value they need.

Answer: (Example)

1. What does success look like for someone in this role within the first six months to a year?
2. How does the company support professional development and career growth for employees?
3. Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and how this role collaborates with other departments?
4. What am I expected to achieve in the first 6 months, 1 year and within 3 years?